Lisbon - The Perfect Place to Have Your Hen Weekend

Unique in its mix of medieval landscapes and modern attractions, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and the perfect place to have your hen weekend. With so much to do and see, it’s a guarantee you and your best friends will have the best weekend partying in the city. Compared with other European destinations, Portugal’s capital is also quite small, making it perfect for anyone looking for somewhere less tourist-packed.

However, before you can really cut wild, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve planned and booked everything you want to do, from your travel and accommodation to your food and drink, and of course, the nightlife. Read on to find a few ideas to help you get your Lisbon hen do started with a bang.

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Where to Stay

Lisbon offers hen weekends a huge range of accommodation options, including hostels, apartments, and 4 or 5-star hotels. Ideally, you’ll want to stay somewhere central, which could save you a fortune on taxis to and from the city. Fortunately, Lisbon airport is only a short distance away, and our Return Airport Transfers can let you get the party started ASAP.

Where you decide to stay will also depend on factors like how many guests are in your party, your budget, and any personal crashpad preferences. If your group is a bit more adventurous, you could book Hostel Accommodation, which can reduce your costs and allow you to spend a little more on your nights out. Of course, if you’d prefer luxuriously-made beds and fresh fluffy towels each morning, a hotel might be a better option.

What to Do

To make your Lisbon hen do one to remember, take the Catamaran Cruise on the Tagus River to see its beautiful crystal clear waters and picturesque shoreline. Or if your hen party loves wine, which we’re sure you do, a chance to do some Wine Tasting won’t go amiss. For the thrillseekers, a spot of Paddleboarding or a Tree Top Adventure will be the perfect way to get the heart racing!

Santo António Festival

Often called the Festival of Sardines, Santo António is Lisbon’s longest night of the year, bringing together visitors from all walks of life. See colourful floats representing the different historic neighbourhoods of the city course through the streets and enjoy grilled fish and meat, music and dancing. Hosted in June, this festival is well worth planning your hen do around, even if you don’t like sardines, and comes as part of a much larger, month-long celebration.

Ride a funicular

An unusual method of travel, compared to the London underground and taxis, these legendary cable cars run across the capital city, transporting people up and down Lisbon’s long, steep slopes. Take a ride to experience the city like a local, and make the most of the stunning views from the top.

What to See

Lisbon has a strong reputation for its style and rich cultural history, as well as an acclaimed selection of restaurants and bars.

Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

Visit modern contemporary art gallery MAAT to break up the lull between breakfast and evening drinks. Situated in Belém, this gallery is Lisbon’s most recent addition to the art scene. Designed by British architect Amanda Levete, it looks like a ray which has been deflected off the river nearby. This is a perfect cultural experience for any art lovers in your party, displaying the work of many of the world’s contemporary artists, architects and thinkers.

Feira da Ladra

Praised as Lisbon’s equivalent of London’s Portobello Market, Fiera da Ladra is a flea market boasting a selection of junk and treasure, from socks, second-hand books and silk handkerchiefs. Stroll through Lisbon’s oldest market to find some truly special vintage pieces, so be sure to save some space in your suitcase! Arrive early to experience the market’s full vibrancy, with stallholders displaying their items on brightly-coloured blankets.

Monsanto Park

Located on the west side of the city, Monsanto Park is the largest green space in Lisbon. But it isn’t just a park, boasting several sports centres, a mini-golf course, swimming pools, and an opportunity to take a forest bath. Maybe a bit more adventurous than your standard hen do, but if you’re interested in a hike to work off the hangovers, or want a bit of fresh air, Monsanto Park is a must. It’s also perfect if you want to escape the hectic city centre. Easily accessible from all the main parts of the city, it’s an ideal half-day excursion.

Nightlife in Lisbon

Barrio Alto

At the centre of Lisbon is Barrio Alto. With its cute cobbled streets, packed with bars, you and the girls won’t have to spend your hen party walking for miles between clubs, or spending extra cash on taxis. Most venues open at 11am and close at 2am, though the best clubs will open much later. Some of the top places for your itinerary include The Old Pharmacy Wine Bar, opened in the spot of a former chemists, and offering over two hundred wines to choose from, or Artis, where you can enjoy a night of even more wine and gossiping. Lisbon also provides the perfect opportunity for a Guided Bar Crawl or a Karaoke Night, if belting out Madonna and Whitney Houston classics is your thing.

Príncipe Real

Think of Príncipe Real as Bairro Alto’s older, more sophisticated sister, boasting a variety of venues to keep your party entertained all weekend. Visit the museum-like Pavilhão Chines for a drink or five, and marvel at the venue’s unique antique shop atmosphere. Taste some award-winning cocktails made with skill and finesse at the hip Cinco Lounge, or experience home comforts at Foxtrot, which is styled as an English pub, and offers art deco interiors, quirky decorations and large, Instagramable mirrors.

Old Town

When you don’t want the night to end, make a trip to Lisbon’s picturesque old town, home to the city's most famous venue, the Lux nightclub. You may have to queue to get in, but it’ll be worth the wait. For more late night clubs, Cais Do Sodre has plenty, some of which stay open until 8am—perfect for the hens who want to party hard.

Other places to take your hen party

While your hen party will mostly be focussed on getting drunk and partying hard, you can take a daytime break to visit St George’s Castle, one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, which towers dramatically over the city. The Lisbon Cathedral is also not to be missed—as the city’s oldest building, its ancient beauty is easily appreciated, and it’s also fantastic for photos.

Lisbon typically takes around three days to explore, but you can get a lot done over your weekend break if you plan ahead. The city is close to a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline, so we’d recommend visiting during the warmer months to treat yourselves a Beach Day. Visit Carcavelos Beach, just 30 minutes away from the city by train, this beach is popular among tourists in the summer. You can play beach volleyball, try your hand at surfing or take a chance to relax with a cocktail. Or why not escape city life altogether by hopping on a 45-minute train and visiting Meco Beach? Cut off by the outside world by sandy cliffs and the national park, it’s known as one of the best nude beaches in Portugal, giving you the chance to add a little more thrill to your hen weekend.